We are fasting to gain taqwa. But one question remains: have you gained taqwa? Allah tells us explicitly that fasting was prescribed: “so that you may attain taqwa. (2:183)” That means staying hungry and thirsty was never the goal. Change was the goal.
Think about this..
Think of an overweight man. His doctor tells him to go on a diet and exercise for one month. He does it. After one month, how does he know whether it worked? He checks his weight. If it went down, the effort benefited him. If not, the effort did not produce the needed result.
Ramadan is like that. You fasted. You prayed. You recited Quran. But did your fasting and acts of worship result in taqwa?
People of Taqwa do self-introspection
Allah says:
“O believers! Have Taqwa of Allah and let every person look at what it has prepared for tomorrow (Hereafter). And have Taqwa of Allah. Surely, Allah is fully aware of what you do.
Quran Chapter 59 Verse 18
Notice that in one verse, Allah says “Have Taqwa of Allah” twice. Between those two commands, He commands us to look at what we have prepared for tomorrow. This verse strongly emphasizes that self-introspection is part of taqwa.
The people of taqwa do not live carelessly. They engage in self-introspection regularly.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.
Bukhari # 1903
So, the real question is not whether you completed Ramadan. The real question is whether Ramadan changed your tongue, your gaze, your private habits, and your response to sin. That is how you begin to know whether you have gained taqwa.
Download the Checklist
Do not be satisfied with your fasting and acts of worship. Measure your condition. Download the Taqwa Self-Assessment Checklist and check where you truly stand. Your fasting was meant to lead you to taqwa, so ask yourself honestly: have you gained taqwa?
FAQs
What is the purpose of fasting in Ramadan?
The Quran states that fasting was prescribed so that believers may attain taqwa. (2:183)
How can I know if I gained taqwa?
Look at the effect of Ramadan on your sins, speech, private conduct, and awareness of Allah. Quran 59:18 links taqwa with self-introspection.
Why is “fear Allah” mentioned twice in Quran 59:18?
The verse repeats the command to fear Allah before and after self-introspection, which strongly emphasizes that self-introspection is part of taqwa.
Does fasting help if a person still lies and sins openly?
The Prophet ﷺ taught that if a person does not leave false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink. (Bukhari 1903)
